118.         There is manpower shortage for allied health workers and frontline care staff, particularly in elderly services and rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities. To cope with demand, we have allocated funding to increase the number of training places for nurses and allied health professionals for the three years starting from 2012-13. The bureaux concerned will work with the welfare sector and relevant organisations to explore feasible options for retaining existing workers in and attracting new blood to the elderly services and rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities.

119.         To support youth employment during the economic downturn, the Government created 3 000 temporary work opportunities under NGOs for young people aged between 15 and 29 in 2008. Currently, about 2 600 young people are still employed in these temporary positions which are due to lapse in March this year. I have decided to extend the temporary positions for 12 months. The extension, at a cost of some $270 million, will allow the LWB and the NGOs concerned time to help the young participants find suitable employment.

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